Big Challenge

Last week was Carol's birthday. I have always assumed that "gifts" are one of her love languages. She shops throughout the year for the "just right" Christmas gift for her family and friends. I mention something I like, and, next birthday it's mine! So, I wrestled with what to do, this "shop-free" year for my dear friend's birthday present.

What I came up with was a brown gift bag, filled with some of Carol's favorite foods...Dark chocolate covered pretzels, kettle corn, a chocolate bar. Using a beautiful photo of sunflowers that your dad had taken, I made "Thinking of You" note cards and packaged them with envelopes. I found two of Carol's favorite shells, soaked them in bleach, then wrapped them in a cellophane bag. Tied a big bow, signed a card and...a "shop-free" birthday gift for my precious friend/sister! And, I think she liked it!

BTW...One month down! Eleven more (maybe) to go! I'm liking this! A lot! (Another note to self: It's only January.)

Feeling Free...today

There's something about knowing that I may be "shopping-free" for a year. That thing is a GOOD thing! Usually.

Many of the days this past month (Note to me: It's only January), I go into my closet and think, "Well, what can I put together today?", instead of, "I really need to update my wardrobe. Time to get rid of lots of these clothes." I liked that!

Preparing for our dinner party last night, I was thinking, "I like the look of mismatched glasses!", instead of, "Need to run out to get enough matching glasses." I liked that!

(Note to me again: It's only January.)

Spilling the Beans

On our walk a few days ago, I finally came clean to you. Yes, the words came out of my mouth about my idea.

"I'm considering taking a year off of shopping for clothes, things, gifts."

There. I said it. It's out.

Thanks for your enthusiasm and support! Wow! You even thought of possibly joining in. Let's go for it! Two girls...One year...No trips to the mall, clothing stores...Very few trips to Target, Bed Bath and Beyond...What do you think? Are you still in??!

BTW, glad this is just an idea and not a plan. Plans are meant to be followed. Aren't they? :-)

Malls & Coupons

Two things...One a thought and one an action.

1) After I dropped your dad off at the airport yesterday, as I passed the mall, I thought about how I didn't have to think about possibly stopping by, since I was so close, to get something I may (or may not) need! I liked that! One less thing to think about!

2) I cleaned out my wallet of (almost) all coupons...Gap...Tilly's...Good coupons...20% off. But...there was just no way I was going to part with my "Buy one, get one free" Swirl's coupons. We all have our limits.

So far, so good!

My Experiment (maybe)

The thought popped into my head in early December. I didn't take it too seriously. But, it kept reappearing...Again...And again. In a weak moment last week, I shared the thought with your dad. He suggested that I go for it! And, blog about it! I thought, "Shoot. Then I may have to actually act on the idea. Shoot!"

Well...the first step was taken today. I went to www.catalogchoice.org and unsubscribed to a clothing catalog...A store that sells things that I buy...With great coupons...Yep! I took that first little step.

If I had taken this thought seriously in December, I would have done things differently. Like that last detox/cleanse your dad and I did...The night before we started I went WILD. I mean really WILD. I ate enough candy to toxify me for months (NOT proud). So, if I had known I was going to give this idea a try, I would have stored up, like a squirrel, or a bear.

Yes, it's the beginning of 2012, and I have great ambitions! I can do this!

Maybe...